A heat pump is a popular choice for heating and cooling homes because of its superior efficiency. However, even heat pumps sometimes lag behind in hot weather. If your energy bills are rising faster than the temperatures, try these five tips to keep your heat pump running efficiently throughout the hottest months of the year.
1. Use Your Thermostat Wisely
Just a few small adjustments to your thermostat can make a big difference in energy usage. Turn the temperature up a few degrees when you’re away from home to save on summer cooling costs. Install a smart thermostat that lets you set a schedule, or use a learning thermostat that figures out your routine and adjusts automatically.
2. Block Excess Sunlight
Sunny windows can heat up and make your heat pump work harder during hot weather. Adding insulated curtains or shutters can keep your home cooler and give your heat pump a break by blocking out heat and light. If you want to keep out the heat without blocking the view, you can install tinted window film.
3. Make Sure Your Home Is Properly Insulated
Does your home have sparse insulation or leaky seals around windows and doors? These seemingly small problems might be raising your summer energy bills. When a home isn’t properly sealed and insulated, cooled air escapes to the outside. This causes your heat pump to work harder to maintain the correct indoor temperature. Fixing patchy insulation, leaky seals and outdated windows and doors can pay off with lower energy bills.
4. Optimize Your Fans
Did you know that one small setting on your heat pump can make a big difference when it comes to efficiency? Set your blower fan to “Auto” instead of “On” to prevent continuous operation and conserve energy. If your home has ceiling fans, they can also help save energy and make your home feel cooler in hot weather. Set the blades to turn counterclockwise for a refreshing breeze, and turn the ceiling fan off when you leave the room.
5. Keep Up With Regular Maintenance
If your heat pump isn’t properly maintained, it might be using more energy than it should. A poorly maintained heat pump uses more energy due to worn components, clogged or dirty filters, leaks and other problems that put excess strain on it. Schedule a maintenance visit before the temperatures start to rise to make sure your heat pump operates at peak efficiency this summer.
From small adjustments to staying on top of professional maintenance and repairs, there are many things you can do to make sure your heat pump operates efficiently as temperatures rise. Making the effort now can pay future dividends with lower bills, less energy usage and a longer service life for your heat pump. If you live in Montgomery, AL, reach out today to Alabama Home Pros for heat pump services.